David Backes (21) reacts with St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) after a shoot out victory in the third period at Enterprise Center. Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports

David Backes signs one-day deal with Blues, announces retirement from NHL

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/9/21

Former St. Louis Blues captain David Backes signed a one-day deal with the franchise on Thursday and subsequently announced his retirement from the NHL after a 15-year career.

"Following my last game, it was clear to me that I needed to retire as a member of the St. Louis Blues," Backes said in a post on the Blues website. "That night reiterated that St. Louis was my home. It is where my wife and I grew into adulthood and it was the organization we needed to retire with. The feeling was mutual with the Blues and I am so humbled that this journey has come full circle for me to end this amazing ride with the same organization that called my name at the draft 18 years ago."

I am so grateful to have lived out my dream of playing in the @NHL So many amazing moments and connections along the way. Back with the @StLouisBlues where it all began. #BlessedAndGrateful https://t.co/CIXkmdddJg
— David Backes (@dbackes42) September 9, 2021

St. Louis is where you belong anyway, @dbackes42. https://t.co/9ptjo8uAsj #stlblues pic.twitter.com/CIftP6HMXI
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 9, 2021

The Blues selected Backes in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut for the franchise during the 2006-07 season and spent 10 years in St. Louis, tallying 460 points (206 goals, 254 assists) in 727 games.

Backes joined the Boston Bruins as a free agent after the 2015-16 campaign and spent three and a half seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks.

During his stint with the Bruins, the 37-year-old tallied 94 points (39 goals, 55 assists) in 217 games. He appeared in 21 games for the Ducks, tallying three goals and four assists.

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